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America's Sacred Ground

Director Barbara A. McGraw coined the term "America's Sacred Ground" TM for the values and political framework on which the American founders based the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, which have religious pluralism at their heart.

“I would rank this book as one of the best to come out in recent years in addressing the religious/secular dimensions of the American socio-political order." — Derek H. Davis, Journal of Church and State

"This nation badly needs the balanced, responsible analysis of the proper role of religion in our society that is offered in this book. Acceptance of 'America's Sacred Ground' by all parties can provide the basis for civil discourse and moving ahead into new grounds." –– John B. Cobb Jr., Founding Co-Director of the Center for Process Studies and Professor Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology and Claremont Graduate School

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Expanding on Barbara A. McGraw’s framework for understanding religious participation in public life, this co-edited volume (with Jo Renee Formicola) demonstrates that religious pluralism is actually one of democracy’s basic building blocks. The chapters explore how diverse religious communities and traditions, including “newer” and marginalized religions, can make a meaningful contribution to American society and politics.

“An important new book . . . lays out the history of tolerance in the United States while urgently reminding us what is at stake when we speak, as we so often do, of ‘church and state’ or ‘moral values’ or ‘the culture wars.’” [This book has] valuable insights and welcome spirit of moderation.” -- Jon Meacham, New York Times Book Review cover page article entitled “Tidings of Pride, Prayer, and Pluralism.”

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Dr. McGraw is also co-author of Many Peoples, Many Faiths: Women and Men in the World Religions, which is one of the most used world religions texts in the U.S. and is regarded as one of the best.

"There is no competition for this book. It is a nearly perfect introductory textbook in my considered estimation." -- Dell deChant, University of South Florida

"A very good book, best on the market." -- Helena Gourko, Merrimack College